Are You Considering Buying a House With a Swimming Pool?
Considering buying a house with a swimming pool? It can be a fantastic feature, a great source of fun and boost property value, but many homebuyers admit that they don't always know what they're getting into when the pool ownership enters the chat. Yes, all types of pools require regular maintenance (even indoor pools) and yes, you might see an increase in your utility costs, but if you're prepared and plan accordingly during the homebuying process, buying a house with a pool can feel like a big win.
Top Three Things to Keep in Mind:
Budget for year-round maintenance
Make sure your pool is covered by your insurance policy
Monitor the water level (unexplained decreases signal a leak)
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The Importance of a Swimming Pool Inspection
"Buying a home with a backyard swimming pool is a great choice, but you need to make sure you’re not inheriting mistakes the previous owners may have made with the pool’s upkeep," cautions Jimmie Meece, brand president of America’s Swimming Pool Company. "For instance, if the pool pump hasn’t been properly maintained or the water’s chemical levels haven’t been kept balanced, there might be some additional project costs and time-consuming issues to address."
Potential buyers should always consider an inspection when buying a home with a pool, and not just to make sure the liner is intact. "We recommend hiring a pool professional to inspect your new home’s pool and its building materials, which should include making sure all local safety code requirements are met. [The reporting] will provide an understanding of any and all pool concerns you need to be aware of to make the best decision."
Double Check Your Insurance Coverage
Make sure that your homeowner's insurance policy properly reflects your residential pool and covers you in the event of other incidentals. While good policies come with a price tag, they're important to have in place. "Consult with your insurance company to make sure your dwelling coverage or 'other structures' coverage protects the pool if something happens to it," recommends Meece. "They may also recommend you buy additional insurance. Liability coverage can help in case someone is injured in the pool."
Photo by Stanley Dai on Unsplash
Plan for Year-Round Maintenance
"Year-round maintenance is essential to maximize enjoyment of your swimming pool, reduce safety risks, and minimize costly repairs," notes Meece. In many parts of the country, pool maintenance isn't merely a summer month chore. "Weekly pool maintenance is recommended [in many geographies], and a pool professional can help you establish a customized plan that is perfect for your pool’s needs."
Consider the average pool size as you plan for ongoing maintenance. "A standard pool size is about 800 square feet, holds at least 22,000 gallons of water, and includes 1 pump, 1 filter, 1 heater, and up to 2 skimmers. Maintenance costs related to daily care are going to vary by where you live, the size of your swimming pool, its features, and how much work you do on your own," shares Meece. "If you hire a professional for weekly or bi-weekly pool service cleanings, they will typically check water levels, test chemistry, empty the skimmer, and clean the surfaces at each visit. Regular in-ground pool maintenance can range from $2,000 to $4,000 a year. There are also repair costs to consider if pool parts break or need upgrading."
Another option is to perform weekly maintenance yourself. If you choose to DIY, budget $1,500 range for the annual cost of your pool chemicals. You can take your pool water to get tested, or invest in an at-home pool water testing device for fast, convenient results.
For those of you considering buying a pool that does require seasonal winterization, plan ahead for those expenses. "The average cost ranges from $350-$500+ and depends on the recommended best practices for the region to ensure the pool remains safe from freezing pipes," notes Meece. "Pool closing services typically include shocking the water, lowering water levels, cleaning, storing filter elements, clearing water lines, and installing a cover. Once you are ready to open your pool back up, budget another $250-$450+ for additional cleaning and chemical expenses." We should note that yes, you can winterize and open your pool yourself, but you'll still need to invest in all of the necessary pool chemicals and cleaning supplies to do it right.
Related: This Bluetooth Enabled Pool Water Testing Device Delivers Fast, Reliable Results
Plan for Changes in Utility Bills
It's often thought that water and energy bills can spike when the pool is in use, but in reality, there's usually only a slight increase in these expenses—perhaps only a few hundred dollars a year depending on the size of your pool and if it is heated—but it’s something to keep in mind when reviewing your annual pool budget.
Always Be On the Lookout For Leaks
In addition to keeping your water properly treated with chemicals and the pool walls and pool equipment cleaned and repaired, it’s important to stay vigilant for signs that your pool is leaking. "Some pool water loss is expected in warmer months due to evaporation, but [if you suspect an issue], we recommend calling a professional," notes Meece. "Leaks can result in serious issues if a pro doesn’t repair them as quickly as possible."
Signs of a leak in your pool:
Pool is losing more than a quarter inch of water a day
The grass around the area is soggy
The pool deck is sinking or lifting
Cracks in or around the pool deck
Problems maintaining chemical balance
The presence of large air bubbles in the pump
